Students may also have attention (ADD or ADHD) or executive function difficulties.

The school was founded in 1926 by educator Peter Gow, along with insight from his colleague, neurologist Dr. Samuel T.

[6][7] The Gow School has its roots in the early teaching experience of founder Peter Gow Jr., who as an instructor at Choate Rosemary Hall, Nichols School, and The Park School of Buffalo had become interested in the plight of students who, though clearly intellectually able, struggled with certain aspects of learning in the language domain, especially spelling and reading.

After contacting Dr. Samuel T. Orton, a noted New York physician who had done pioneering work in the area of dyslexia, Gow began development of the Reconstructive Language methodology that has been the backbone of the Gow School program since its founding.

[citation needed] Orton Hall, built in 1987, houses the student study and the Constantine Computer Center.